AUTUMN EXHIBITION OF THE SOUTHLAND AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Southland Times, Issue 919, 20 March 1868, Page 2

AUTUMN EXHIBITION OF THE SOUTHLAND AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A- variety of circumstances have been in operation, during the past few months to produce upon the public mind a feeling of apprehension as to the probable results of the last Show of the season of the above society. "What with the very unfavorable weather which has prevailed throughout the summer months, the expressed disatisfactibn of one or two large exhibitors with the arrangements arid decisions at last Show, general opinion seemed to point to at least only a very partial success on the present occasion, while some of the more desponding anticipated nothing short of total failure, and the consequent collapse of the institution.; All these doubts, fears, and gloomy forebodings were, however, happily and instantly dispelled when the doors of the Theatre Uoya'l were, on Wednesday last, thrown open and the public admitted to gaze with unmixed admiration on the choice and large collection of Agricultural and Horticultural products there displayed. Taking up a position on the front of the stage, from whence the whole collection could be viewd en masse i the scene presented was one of rich magnificence and gorgeous coloring, the first glance at which intuitively prompted the query " wherever can they all have been grown.?" The; answer .to -this question could of course be best obtained by consulting the cards affixed to the various exhibits, and as we proceeded to satisfy ourselves on thispoint, and more leisurely \ and minutely : examined the individual specimens asthey successively attracted bur attention, it but increased our wonder how such excellence could have been attained in the face of such climatic perverseness as has marked the closing season. While surveying the different tables one could not help being Btruck with the frequent occurrence of the same names —- names ; dow become familiar as household words to visitors at these ., exhibitions. ■On the stages devoted to flowers the names — Cooper & Co., Miss Sinclair, J. Morton, Wm. Preston, E. Miller, and C. Broad, occurred again and again. On the fruit table the. most prominent were, J. Blacklbcki W. Lawrence, Abram "Watson, D. M'Archar and. J, By Stewart. In the Vegetable Department Mr E. . Birrell, of the Waihopai, seemed to distance all' competitors, although the names of Mr C. Broad, "W, Lawrence, E. Hamilton, J. Erskine, J. Blacklocfe, Cooper & Co., and D. M' Arthur, also put in a frequent and conspicioiis appearance. To notice in detail everything worthy of remark, would envoi ye the occupation of much greater space than we have at disposal, while it, may almost seem invidious, where all was excellent, to select any particular articles, for special comment, still, there were a few exhibits which we think justly entitled to that pre-eminence. On the flower stages there were many rare < and lovely ipeciinens, both for exhibition and competition, many of them so delicate in their texture as to make one think their owners almost- foolish in risking their, existence to the chapter of accidents in moving and removing, or to the less tender mercies of rude hands, which, in sDite of the polite request, " please do not touch," would persist in grasping and feeling the tender brittle stems and soft velvety leaves-^-indeed we observed one or two large pots containing plants most costly, actually upset. On the first stage on entering the Theatre — that devoted to professional floriculturists — the most striking objects were the gigantic fuchsias, exhibited by Messrs Cooper & Co., and by Mr J. Morton; perfect pyramids of softest foliage, and rich pendant clusters of the peculiarly beautifully formed bloom for which this flower, is remarkable. A brugmansia sanguinea, a curious looking plant bearing a large trumpet shaped flower, also ex'hibited 7 by 1 Messrs Copper and Co., attracted much attention ' from its peculiar : characteristics, and deserved all the apprbbative epithets applied tb it. It , had much imjirbved ' since we' first saw it, a very tiny plant, at a former shew. Two beautiful foliage plants, exhibited by '

Mr Preston, gardener to Cooper &w\ Co., were in close proximity, and were much admired, viz., a lonioera aurea reticulata < and a castor oil plant. From the same : gardens were also shown a teconia qrandi■flora, a nerum olenders, and a bignonia, all pot plants of great beauty and in the healthiest possible condition. On the amateurs' stage there was also a rare display of greenhouse plants, principally from tho conservatories of Miss Sinclair and Mr E. Millar. Prominent amongst these was a magnificent hydrangea japonica, and a fuchsia effiuXgens, both shown by Mr Millar, and both plants of the most luxuriant foliage and flower; the latter attracted great attention from the singularly graceful formation of its blossoms, and its great rarity, being, we iare assured, the only plant of the kind in the province: and the former by its ample proportions, literally covering a large portion of the table with a dense mass of deep green leaves and bright flowers. Abignonia latifolia from the same owner was also a very beautiful plant. Mr J. E. Stewart had on the same table a very well-grown musk plant, which imparted a very pleasant odour to its neighborhood, and also a very fine specimen of the oakleaved scented geranium. This plant was in excellent health and well-grown though not in the best possible condition for exhibition, being outof flower, it was, however, well worthy of the extra prize which the judges awarded to it. Two petunias of Miss Sinclair's were likewise very beautiful, and gained a first prize ; and the same may be said of a couple of superb scarlet geraniums shown by the same lady. Fuchsias, geraniums, petunias, calceolarias, and other .choice plants -were grouped on this table in great profusion, witnessing that a taste for flowers, the most chastely beautiful and rare, is widely cultivated and indulged in by a large number of our community. In cut flowers there was a most profuse display, and a very marked improvement on former shows. We have rarely seen such splendid dahlia blooms, certainly never superior, as were here to be met with in almost unlimited numbers. A tray of twelve varie-" ties (selfs), shown by Mr C. Broad, of Gladstone, was in itself a feast to the eyes, every bloom being to all appearance a perfect type of its class. The smaller trays of six each, on the same table, were also all filled with superb flowers ; that shown by Mr Waugh, gardener to W. H. Calder, Esq., being quite equal to Mr Broad's, and deservedly obtained the first prize in its own class ; the other trays-r-Messrs Morton's and Cooper's— were also very fine. In the class for amateurs only, Mr Broad also obtained the first prize ; Mr Birrei the second. . Of hollyhocks, there was a grand display; Messrs Cooper and Co. having entered a great number, both for competition and exhibition only. GUadiolas, phloxes, marigold's — French and African — pansies, antirrinhiums, &c, &c; were also all largely represented, and each first-class of their kind. Twelve, blooms of pansies shown by Mr R. Miller, and six from Miss Sinclair's garden, were about perfection, large, velvet leaved, and rich. tintoH to a degree not ©aßilj eclipsed. Mr J. Morton was, as usual, most successful in every department where nice taste, and skill in arrangement was requisite, and gained the first prize for both table bouquet and hand bouquet, as also for the floral device. This latter was in reality a' work of art, and gained: unconditional approbation. It represented a four light 1 "standard cLandilier, surmounted ~ by a crown rqyal,the whole being most artistically worked with flowers of every hue most appropriately arranged. .' The second prize in this class was awarded to an exhibit which might with more propriety have been called a model/or a shrubbery, being in reality a very tasteful little piece of groundwork, id which a square section of land was cut up most symmetrically into a variety of curiously shaped plots, the centre being occupied with a miniature fountain which was kept playing during the evening. Amongst amateurs in this class, Mr E. Miller, Mr J. E. Stewart, and Miss Sinclair, were the successful competitors, all of whom gained prizes for bouquets ; the latter gentlemen being, the only exhibitor of a floral device by . amateurs, and we must say that his effort om this occasion was immeasurably inferior to his former achievements, a fact accountable for on the grounds that an assiduous attentions to his duties as a member of Committee monopolised most of his spare time. Passing onto the fruit table, we observe that the . exhibits are limited in number, but all of very high excellence^ the apples especially being fine, full grown fruit. Mr Abram Watson showed some very fine cooking apples, as did also Mr Waugh, from Mr Calder's orchard. Mr.J; E. Stewart, and Mr A. Watson, taking first places with the article fit for dessert, in their respective sections. Some magnificent peaches shown by Mr Blacklock, and also by Mr D. M' Arthur and Miss Sinclair, showed what can be done, even in the open garden, where efficient shelter is provided. We mustnotomittoinentiontwo very interesting objects in this class, one was a little dwarf apple tree, exhibited by Mr T. Swale of Long Bush, not exceeding eighteen inches in height and yet bearing three very large, well formed applesonly a portion of its years fruit, some having been but recently blown off— the other a very fine apple grown by Mr M,, Scott, of Otautau, from a seedling tree, the tree being now seven years old i aridhaving borne fruit this year for the first time. Neither must we forget a ;bajsket of excellent fruit exhibited by Mr Blacklock, as also one by Miss Sinclair, a sample of desert apples by Mr Howard, and some jars of excellent jam by Mr Lawrence. We must now notice, rather hastily, the vegetable department, in which nearly every article was of the most gigantic proportions. Mr Birrell and Mr Friskin showed each some field turnips of immense size and fine shape, showing very good breeding. The same may be said of the garden turnips exhibited, which were all excellent, as also of the potatoes, of which there were a great many varieties. Most of the samples of this tuber were evidently selected for their superiority of

quality ratter than with a view to great bulk—they were however, all large s enough— with one remarkable exception; in a sample sent in by Mr D. Boss, consisting of four or five of the biggest and uggliest red potatoes we ever saw. The cabbage and kail tribe generally, were in great force arid of superi. quality, as were also the beans and peas of sundrr varieties.' Three roots of parsley exhibited by Mr E. Millar, Messrs Cooper and Co., and Miss Sinclair, far surpassed anything of the kind w< ever before ' witnessed, and were awarded prizes in the order named. Some splendid stalks of rhubarb were shown by Mr Birrell, and Mr Broad; and some very promising mangolds and beets, by Mr Hamilton of Mortons Mains. The onions far surpassed any shown on previous occasions; those shown by; Mr Birrell' and Mr Buchanan being remarkably fine large hard bulbs. Messrs Cooper and Co. showed a fine collection I of salads, especially cucumbers, which were remarkably well grown. Mr J. E. Stewart showed a shock of oats; and another of wheat, each remarkable for their good quality, but more so as being each the produce of a single grain.; The oats, growing from one root, comprised thirty stalks or heads, bearing 6000 grains, and not long ago 10,000 grains, but the balance had been blown off by tho late high winds ; the rip of wheat comprised 28 heads, bearing 1358 grains, a wonderful increase certainly. ,In cereals the show was very poor, there being in fact no competition. Messrs Hay Brothers, however, showed some very fine samples of grain, also one 6f flour aud another of oatmeal both,, of course, of their own make. MrßHamilton also showed a fair sample of wheat; A sample of sandy oats and one of field peas, from Mr Laing's farm, Waimatuku, were both goody- the latter were especially admired by f judges ; some Scotch tares exhibited by Cooper and Co. were! also worthy of notice. Mr J. Stuart, Waikivi, took a first prize with a very creditable sample of perennial rye grass seed. Barley was conspicuous by its absence, there not being a single grain shown. Of the dairy department little need be said. There was exhibited by Messrs Cochran, Granger and Blackwood a stand of as fine cheese as any one could wish to look at, showing what can be done in this article by our settlers ; but of competition there was none, nor was there another exhibitor. There' was' also a noticeably poor, show of butter : not one of the samples shown, with one exception, was worthy of; a prize at all, and might be easily surpassed any day by a pat purchased at any grocer's shop in town. The exception we have made is in favor of tha powdered butter which gained the first prize, which was really very good, sweet, clear, and! firm, and just nicely salt. On the same table with the butter were a couple of loaves, sent in by Mr Eobertson of the Three Bells bakery, manufactured from provincial flour. The bread was rather darker in appearance than that baked of Australian flour, but otherwise was quite sweet and wholesome. A plate and ' box of honey, in the comb, exhibited by Mr E. Miller, had a most lueious and tempting appearance, totally irresistable to spu\<* of the boys present, and was very w flavored. The combs in the box were -especially worthy of remark being just in the condition iv which they were left by™ their" busy little" builders" ~t&9 , box* itself being an attache to the hive which can be removed at pleasure, without in any/ way interferirigiwith the operations, or comfort of the inmates. During the two days of the exhibition the weather was of the most boisterous character, and had a very pernicious effect on the receipts taken at the i door, the visitors at no time being anything like so numerous , as they have been on previous occasions; still, in the evenings a goodly assemblage illed the ball, amongst whom were a large number of gaily dressed ladies, whose presence added most pleasingly to the tout ensemble of the r scene. . At these times the effect produced by the conjunction of so many pleasurable elements was animated and charming in the extreme. The rich profusion of gorgeous flowers and, foliage, the clusters o.f luscious-fruits, Jbhe sparkling of brilliant eyes, the learning of pretty and happy faces, the merry chatter and laughter of the;; blended' with I the. s inspiriting strains of the piano andviplin, -ancLall- bathed in a flood of purest light, rendered the scene a by no means imperfect realisation of the realms of Titania. As a matter of . constitutional usage we must wind up our remarks by an allusion to the 1 dinner, customarily given to the judges and committee oh these occasions. We cannot better compliment Host Jones on the success of. his efforte, than by saying that the spread ihe had prepared for his guests was quite_ equal in its way to that on the tables in the Theatre Eoyal in theirs, the viands and liquors .being all of the very best, and in ample profusion. JThe chair . was., occupied by the _ Vicc^ President, "Wm. Cochran, Esq^ Mr J.JE. Stewart occapying the other- .seat .of honor. After* the more substantial part of the repast had been. dispoßedpf,; the usual loyal toasts were given, followed by others more pertinent to the occasion,such as the Judges, the.Committee, tKe Competitors, the -Press, &c., &c. ; all .of which were dully arid appropriately responded tb.' '• We cannot conclude without according our meed of praise to the committee and their indefatigable secretary. Those gentlemen have had a most arduous duty to perform. That they have been eminently successful is the surest criterion that they have been earnest and zealous. The iudffes also aid their work well and seem to have given almost universal sat^s,-* faction. We trust , to; see many similar I exhibitions, and that the efforts jof the" society may always eventuate as auspiciously.

6 best; annuals, varieties : John T, Scotland. 1 best hand boquet : Ist prize, J. E« Stewart; 2nd, K. Miller; 3rd, Miss Sinclair. 1 best table boquet: 1 prize, E. Miller; 2nd, J. E. Stewart; 3rd, "Wm. Pressnell. 1 best floral device: Ist prize, J. E. Stewart. Section" VII. Vegetables. (Amateurs only.) 6 best kidney potatoes : Ist prize, "WLawrence ; 2nd, Mrs German ;. 3rd, J. E. Stewart. 12 best potatoes, any sort : Ist prize, G. Frisken ; 2nd, W. Lawrence ; 3rd, E. TVHIW. . 1 best and heaviest cabbage : Ist prize, C. Broad; 2nd, J. E. Stewart; 3rd, D. M' Arthur, Lorn Park. 6 best turnips': Ist prize, Erskine ; 2nd, J. Erisken ; 3rd, D. M' Arthur.. 6 best carrots: Ist prize, Gk Erisken ; 2nd, Chas. Broad; 3rd, Mrs German. | 6. best parsnips: Ist prize, Chas. Broad; 2nd, "W". Lawrence. 12 best pods peas: Ist prize, Chas. Broad; 2nd, Peter Laing; 3rd, J. E. iStewart. 12 best pods broad beans : Ist prize, J. E. Stewart ; 2nd, John T. Scotland. 6 best onions : Ist prize, E. Buchanan; Sad, Mrs German. ,1 best bunch shallots: Ist prize, Mrs 'German. > ; 9 best and heaviest stalks rhubarb : Ist prize, Wm. Presnell. Best collection of vegetables: Ist prize, J. E. Stewart. Section VIII. Fbttit. ; (Amateurs only.) 1 6 best dessert apples : Ist prize, , J. E. 'Stewart; 2nd, Abram "Watson. : , 6 best kitchen apples : Ist prize, Abranv : "Watson; 2ndj J. E! Stewart. Best basket of fruit: Ist prize, E. ;. TMiller ; 2nd, J. E. Stewart. iSECTioN IX. Eaem and Dazbt Peodttce.—(Open to all.) 1 bushel best new wheat : Ist prize, Eobt v Hamilton. 1 bushel best new sandy oats: Ist. .prize, Eobt. Laing, "Waimatuku. . 1 bushel best new perennial rye grass : Ist prize, Jas. Stewart, "Waikivi. 6 best field turnips : Ist prize, Epbt. 'Birrell; 2nd, Gep. Frisken. 6 best mangold -wurtzels : ist prize, Eobt. Hamilton. 21bs. best ' fresh butter (Society's Print) : Ist prize, Tho:. Dawspn, Long Bush ; 2nd, Jas. Laing, "Waianewa ; 3rd, E. Hamilton, Morton Mains. 41bs. best potted butter : Ist prize, T. Dawson ; 2nd, Jas. Laing ; 3rd, E. Hamilton. .',;■■::. Extba Prizes. ; 1 bushel peas : Ist prize, Laing. (Open to all.) 6 best peaches : Ist prize, John Blacklock; 2nd, D. M* Arthur. (Amateurs.) 6, best peaches: Ist prize, D. M' Arthur; 2nd, Miss Sinclair. •■■ ' 2 best stalks field beans : extra prize, "Wm. Lawrence. 6 best green gooseberries : Ist prize, D. M'Arthur. _ • 6 best red! gopseberries : Ist prize, TV. . Lawrence. ■ ■■■■■■ Jama highly recommended : "W. Lawrence. • Scarlefc oak leaf geranium: J. E. Stewart., , v .